Dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus ( 100 ) for the storing and dispensing of products. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus ( 100 ) for the storing and dispensing of inter-reactive compounds wherein the inter-reactive compounds are efficiently mixed on extrusion or expulsion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for the storing anddispensing of products. In particular, the present invention relates toapparatus for the storing and dispensing of inter-reactive compoundswherein the inter-reactive compounds are efficiently mixed on extrusionor expulsion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dispensing apparatus in the form of cartridges is well-known in the art.In many instances, it is necessary to mix at least two differentcompounds together. On mixing, the compounds may react and usuallyharden. This type of technology is commonly used in chemical anchors,adhesives, sealants, food processing and medical applications.

Previous dispensing apparatus which requires the mixing of differentcompounds usually comprises two or more separate moulded compartmentsi.e. cartridges. These moulded compartments each house respectivecompounds which are mixed on extrusion or expulsion through an orifice.Additionally previous types of dispensing apparatus have variouslimitations such as significant ‘tooling-up’ costs in machinery formaking the separate moulded cartridges. The moulded cartridges are alsousually supplied in predetermined sizes meaning that differentdispensing apparatus and pressure guns are required for each differentsize of cartridge. Moreover, in these types of apparatus, usually atleast two pistons are required to obtain the correct mix of differentcompounds, again further adding to the complexity and cost of such adevice.

EP 0754633 relates to cartridge systems used in dispensing devicessuitable for dispensing inter-reactive multi-component compositions. Thesystem disclosed in EP 0754633 comprises a clip which is manually pulledout of a container so that a flexible cartridge containing two separatedtypes of material extends beyond the nozzle of the dispensing device.The protruding end of the cartridge is then cut with a knife or a pairof scissors. On extruding said material, the different components areintended to be mixed. However, a number of problems exist with such asystem. First of all, the clip is very difficult to pull out meaningthat a pair of pliers is almost essential to pull the clip out.Furthermore, the use of a knife or scissors is dangerous to a user as asignificant amount of pressure is required to cut the cartridge open.Moreover, on cutting the cartridge open, some of the material spills outwhich necessitates cleaning of the scissors/knife and/or cartridge end.

It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention toobviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems.

It is a further object of at least one aspect of the present inventionto provide dispensing apparatus which is easy to use.

It is a yet further object of at least one aspect of the presentinvention to provide a container for products which can then be used todispense the product in a simple and effective manner.

A further object of at least one aspect of the present invention is toprovide a container for a multi-part chemical product which allows thecomponent parts to be kept separate for storage purposes, but thenallows the component parts to be brought together when required for use.

It is a yet further object of at least one aspect of the presentinvention to provide apparatus for storing products which can also beused for accurate dispensing of the products when required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is providedapparatus for storing and dispensing a product, the apparatuscomprising:

a cartridge; and

a substantially rigid outer casing;

wherein the substantially rigid outer casing is adapted to receive thecartridge and the cartridge comprises a weakened area capable ofrupturing when pressure is applied to the cartridge.

On rupturing of the weakened area, the total content(s) of the cartridgeis (are) dispensed.

The cartridge may be ‘sausage-like’ in shape and may be formed in anysuitable extrusion apparatus such as an adapted edible sausage makingapparatus.

The cartridge may be made from thin, flexible film with a high tearstrength. The cartridge may be made from any suitable plastics materialsuch as polyethylene. Alternatively, the cartridge may be made from ametal/alloy foil.

Typically, the material forming the cartridge is not too elastic. If thematerial is too elastic, the apparatus will not function properly.

The material forming the cartridge may also be chosen so that it doesnot react and/or deteriorate on contact with the contained compounds.

Typically, the cartridge may comprise a plurality of separate chambersand, in particular, at least two chambers. The different chambers maycontain different compounds which are intended to be mixed. The chambersmay be of different volumes and may therefore contain different amountsof the different compounds. For example, the volume in a first chambermay be 40% of the whole cartridge and the second chamber may be 60% ofthe whole cartridge; the volume in the first chamber may be 20% of thewhole cartridge and the volume in the second chamber may be 80% of thewhole cartridge; and the volume in the first chamber may be 10% of thewhole cartridge and the volume in the second chamber may be 90% of thewhole cartridge.

Conveniently, on initial formation, the cartridge may have two openends. Once the compound or compounds are extruded into the chamber orseparate chambers of the cartridge, the ends of the cartridge may besealed with any suitable sealing means. The seal for the end of thecartridge which is intended to rupture may be made weaker than a seal atthe other end of the cartridge. The sealing means may comprise a sealingclip which may be releasable under pressure. Alternatively, any othersuitable sealing means such as crimping, gluing, heat sealing or anyform of cap or tie may also be used.

Preferably, on release of the sealing means different contents of thecartridge may mix substantially simultaneously together. This occurs asthe single sealing means, seals all the contents of the cartridge. Themixing may occur immediately meaning that an efficient mix may beobtained.

Preferably, the substantially rigid outer casing may be a hollowcylindrical member made from any suitable plastics, metal or alloymaterial. The outer casing may have an inner cylindrical section whichmay be of constant diameter from one end to the other. Alternatively,the cylindrical member at one end may have a reduced diameter.

Typically, the outer casing is adapted to receive the cartridge and forma snug fit with the outer walls of the cartridge. The distance betweenthe outer casing and the cartridge may be about 1- 10 mm or preferablyabout 5 mm. This may prevent radial expansion (i.e. widening) onapplication of pressure to an end of the cartridge.

Conveniently, pressure may be applied to one end of the flexiblecartridge by any suitable means such as any type of dispensing gun. Thepressure may be applied manually or via a pneumatic piston. Typically,the dispensing gun may be a standard mastic gun as found in many DIYstores. Alternatively, any type of syringe like plunger or screw likeplunger may be used.

Conveniently, there may be an expansion chamber into which the cartridgemay partially expand into. The apparatus may be adapted so that onapplication of pressure to one end of the cartridge, expansion in theaxial direction is prevented so that at the opposite end to which thepressure is applied, the cartridge deforms into an initial bulbousconformation.

Preferably, the outer casing comprises integral reaction shoulders whichabut and prevent the cartridge from moving further along thelongitudinal length of the outer casing as pressure is applied. Thereaction shoulders may be adapted to the shape of the cartridge and maybe substantially concave. The actual surface contact area between thereaction shoulder and the cartridge may be specifically chosen. If thereis too much surface contact between the reaction shoulder and thecartridge, too much pressure will need to be applied to remove thesealing means from the cartridge and the material forming the cartridgemay rupture at any specific point meaning that different compounds indifferent chambers may not mix. Alternatively, if there is too littlesurface contact between the reaction shoulders and the cartridge, thecartridge will be pushed through the outer casing without the sealingmeans rupturing.

In an alternative embodiment, the reaction shoulder may be formed from aseparate insert which may be inserted into the outer casing. In a yetfurther alternative, the cartridge may be glued to the side of the outercasing thereby preventing movement along the length of the outer casing.

Typically, the expansion chamber may be integrally formed in the outercasing during initial moulding. Alternatively, the expansion chamber maybe formed by a separate adaptor unit which may be placed into the outercasing. In a further alternative, the expansion chamber may be containedwithin a separate nozzle member.

Conveniently, the apparatus comprises a nozzle member which may befitted to an end of the outer casing via, for example, a screw thread.The nozzle may comprise an integral mixer unit which further aids themixing of the different products in the flexible cartridge.Alternatively, the mixer unit may be a separate item and may be insertedinto the nozzle. Preferably, the diameter of the nozzle is wide enoughto prevent blockage on release of the sealing means.

The nozzle may also comprise means for catching the sealing means suchas a cross-member. The cross-member may be attached to the mixer unit ormay be integrally formed at the entrance to the nozzle.

Preferably, the sealing means may be formed from any metal or plasticsmaterial such as soft aluminium or steel wire which is wound round theends of the cartridge. The sealing means is not attached too tightly ortoo strongly as this will prevent the release of the sealing means onapplication of pressure to the cartridge. It is also preferred that anysharp ends formed by the sealing means may be pointed away from theflexible cartridge thereby preventing any possible piercing of thecartridge.

An advantage of the apparatus is that once the contents of the cartridgeare emptied, the emptied cartridge may be removed and replaced with anew cartridge. The apparatus may therefore be reusable. The emptiedcartridge may be removed by simply detaching the pressure gun from thecartridge. To facilitate the removal of the emptied cartridge, the outercasing may have a hinged opening to allow a user easy entry.

Preferably, the film forming the cartridge is adapted so that onexpansion into the expansion chamber, the film extends part way into theexpansion chamber. This may prevent mixing of different compounds andmay therefore prevent any hardening of mixed materials within theapparatus. This may allow the apparatus to be used at a later datewithout completely emptying the contents of the cartridge.

Typically, the apparatus may be used to provide dispensed products foruse in chemical anchors, sealants, food processing and medicalapplications. Uses of chemical anchors includes securing bolts inconcrete/masonry, forming a stud socket and post-installed rebarconnections.

Compounds which are intended to be mixed may include any suitableresins, epoxies, polyesters and vinyl esters.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is aprovided a method for dispensing a product, the method comprising:

inserting a cartridge which comprises a weakened area into asubstantially rigid outer casing which is adapted to receive thecartridge; and

applying pressure to the cartridge thereby increasing the pressurewithin the cartridge to a point where said weakened area rupturesenabling the contents of the cartridge to be dispensed.

Typically, the cartridge comprises a plurality of chambers containingdifferent compounds.

Preferably, on rupturing of the weakened area, different compounds inthe cartridge may be simultaneously mixed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda kit comprising:

a cartridge comprising at least one weakened area capable of rupturingon application of pressure to the cartridge;

a substantially rigid outer casing which is adapted to receive thecartridge; and

a dispensing gun.

Preferably, the dispensing gun is a standard mastic gun.

Preferably, the kit may be used to simultaneously mix differentcompounds.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provideda cartridge which comprises at least one weakened area capable ofrupturing when pressure is applied to the cartridge and wherein thecartridge comprises at least two separate chambers containing differentmaterials which are dispensable on application of pressure.

Typically, on rupturing of the weakened area the materials in theseparate chambers may simultaneously mix with one another.

Conveniently, the cartridge is made from thin, flexible film with a hightear strength.

Typically, the cartridge is ‘sausage-like’ in shape.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provideduse of a kit according to the fourth aspect for dispensing a product.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is providedapparatus for storing and distributing a product, comprising a containerwhich has at least one weakened area that will rupture when pressure isapplied to the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic representations of dispensingapparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2E are schematic representations of the operation of dispensingapparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic representations of dispensing apparatusaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic representations of dispensing apparatusaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic representations of dispensing apparatusaccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic representations of dispensing apparatusaccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic representations of a mixing elementaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic representations of a further mixingelement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-9C are schematic representations of different casings accordingto the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the length of film extendingbeyond a clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are schematic representations ofdispensing apparatus, generally designated 100. The apparatus 100comprises a substantially rigid cylindrical hollow casing 102. The innersurface 104 of the casing 102 has a substantially tubular section whichforms a wide opening 106 at a first end of the casing 102 and a narroweropening 108 at a second end of the casing 102. Towards the second end ofthe casing 102, the diameter of the inner surface 104 of the casing 102narrows, firstly via a shoulder 110, which then extends for a periodalong a reduced diameter section 112. There is then a further reductionin the diameter via a chamfered surface 114 to a final reduced diametertubular section 116. The region of the casing 102 extending between theshoulder 110 and the narrow opening may be termed an expansion chamber117. On the outer surface of tubular section 116 there is a screw thread118. The cylindrical casing 102 is made from any suitable plastics ormetal/alloy material.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the cylindrical casing 102 is used to snuglyreceive a cartridge 120 which may be described as being ‘sausage-like’in shape. The cartridge 120 comprises two separate chambers 122,124which are secured to one another via adhesive means in the‘sausage-like’ configuration. Chamber 122 contains compound A andchamber 124 contains compound B. The chambers 122,124 are sealedseparate units.

The chambers 122,124 are formed from a thin material which has a limiteddegree of flexibility. However, the material is not too elasticotherwise the material will simply stretch on application of pressure.The material also has a high tear strength to prevent the cartridge 120from inadvertently bursting open. The material is also specificallychosen so as to be inert towards the materials which they contain. Thematerial may be made from any suitable plastics, polymer or metal foilmaterial.

The ends of the cartridge 120 are closed with clips 126 once compounds Aand B have been inserted into their respective chambers 122,124. Anysuitable type of apparatus is used to form the ‘sausage-like’ cartridge120. For example, edible sausage making apparatus may be used. Clips 126are formed from relatively soft aluminium wire and are wound around theends of the chambers 122,124 to prevent any leakage of compounds A and Bduring storage or initial placement in the casing 102. Carefulattachment of the clips 126 is required so that any sharp ends formed bythe clips 126 do not pierce the cartridge at any time during use of thedispensing apparatus 100.

A compressing back plate 128 is also shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B which hasa concave surface 130 adapted to engage with the cartridge 120.

The compressing back plate 128 comprises a central recess 129 which clip126 inserts into on engagement with the back plate 128.

FIGS. 1A and 1B also show that the apparatus comprises a mixing nozzle,generally designated 132. The mixing nozzle 132 has an opening 134.Around the opening 134 there is a thread 136 which is adapted to screwonto thread 118 on the casing 102. The mixing nozzle 132 has an integralspiral chamber 138 which aids in the mixing of compounds A and B.

FIG. 1A shows that the cartridge 120 is tightly secured within thecasing 102. It is important to appreciate that the sides of thecartridge 120 are close to or abut against the inside surface 104 of thecasing 102, therefore restricting any form of axial displacement.Furthermore, the cartridge 120 engages against shoulder 110 and preventsthe cartridge 120 from travelling any further along the casing 102.

FIG. 1C shows the apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B attachedto a dispensing gun 180.

FIGS. 2A-2E represent a casing 202 according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention. Similar reference numerals to that used in FIGS.1A and 1B are used but have the prefix “2”. The container 202 is similarto the casing 102 in FIGS. 1A and 1B, apart from the fact that there isa difference in the surface 214 in the casing 102 which reduces thediameter of the inner surface 204 of the casing 102. Surface 214 reducesthe diameter in a smoother concave manner, minimising any sharp edgeswhich may pierce the cartridge 220.

FIGS. 2A-2E progressively show the effect on the cartridge 220 aspressure is applied to one end. The pressure is applied by a mastic gun(not shown). In FIG. 2D it is clear that the cartridge 220 comprisingseparate chambers 222,224 fills expansion chamber 217 at the end of thecontainer 202 and abuts the inner surface 204 of the casing 202. Itshould also be appreciated that shoulders 210 prevent the cartridge 220from merely being pushed along the container 202. The inner surface 204of the hollow casing 202 also prevents the cartridge 220 from merelyexpanding axially. On application of pressure to the cartridge 220, theunsupported end of the cartridge 220 expands into a bulbous form intoexpansion chamber 217 as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C and eventuallycompletely fills the expansion chamber 217, as shown in FIG. 2D.

On application of further pressure, the hydrostatic pressure inside thecartridge 220 eventually forces the clip 226 off, as shown in FIG. 2E.

As shown in FIG. 2E, the film of the cartridge 220 extends part wayalong the narrowest section of the casing 202 which helps to prevent anyhardening of material therein.

On removal of the clip 226, compounds A and B within the separatechambers 222,224 are free to be extruded on application of furtherpressure from a mastic gun.

Furthermore, on release of clip 226, compounds A and B are releasedsubstantially simultaneously enabling the different compounds toefficiently mix.

FIGS. 3A-3C show a third embodiment of the present invention. Onceagain, reference signs similar to that previously used are utilised withthe prefix “3”. Side surfaces 314 are concave shaped to support thecartridge 320 as pressure is applied from a mastic gun. The cartridge320 fills the expansion chamber 317 at the end of the container 302.FIG. 3C shows the clip 326 being forced off due to the increasedpressure, with the minimum length between a nozzle and the film beingshown which prevents hardening and blockage of compounds A and B ifextrusion of the material is stopped at any time.

FIGS. 4A and 4B represent a fourth embodiment of the present invention.Reference signs similar to those previously used are utilised with theprefix “4”. In FIG. 4B, the cartridge 420 is shown within the casing402. In this embodiment, the casing 402 simply comprises an extendedtubular section 404 of uniform diameter. There is therefore no expansionchamber in the casing 402 on insertion of the cartridge 420. However, asshown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mixing nozzle 432 comprises an expansionchamber 417 via which the cartridge 420 may expand into on applicationof pressure to the opposite end. The container 402 has shoulders 410which prevent the cartridge 420 from being longitudinally displaced onapplication of pressure. Additionally, the container 402 prevents axialdisplacement of the cartridge 420 on application of pressure. Thecartridge 420 will therefore expand into expansion chamber 417.Eventually, as discussed previously, clip 426 will release once aspecific internal hydrostatic pressure is obtained for the container420.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a fifth embodiment. Similar reference signs tothose used previously are used with the prefix “5”. In this embodiment,a standard cylindrical hollow casing 502 is used which has asubstantially uniform internal diameter. To create an expansion chamber517 for the cartridge 520 to expand into, an adaptor 540 is insertedinto the casing 502, as shown in FIG. 5A. The adaptor 540 comprises ashoulder 510 which prevents longitudinal movement of the cartridge 520.A reduced circumference section 512 and an additional surface 514further reduces the diameter of casing 502. The operation of thecartridge 502 generally is the same as that previously described.

FIGS. 6A and 6B represent dispensing apparatus, generally designated 600which is substantially similar to that described previously. Thereference numerals have the prefix “6”. The difference in dispensingapparatus 600 is that there is a nozzle adaptor 650 which is attachableto the container 602. This allows a range of mixing nozzles 632 to beused enabling different flows of material to be obtained.

In the present invention, there is the potential problem that the clipused to retain the different compounds in their respective chambers mayblock the extrusion of the compounds. To overcome this problem, means ofcatching the clip may be deployed.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B comprises a cross member 762 atone end of mixing element 760. As shown in FIG. 7B, on release of theclip 726, the cross member 762 prevents the clip 726 from entering themain body of mixing nozzle 732.

FIGS. 8A and 8B represent a further embodiment wherein mixing nozzle 832comprises a cross-section 862 which will once again catch a clip 826before it enters the main body of mixing nozzle 832.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above,it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodimentsmay still fall within the scope of the invention. For example, there maybe any number of different chambers and the cartridges may be of anysuitable size. Additionally, any type of sealing means may be used toclose the ends of the chambers. Furthermore, the sealing means may beattached relatively loosely meaning that only a minimum amount ofpressure needs to be applied to force the sealing means off thecartridge.

EXAMPLES Example 1

FIGS. 9A-9C represent different lengths of film extending beyond a clip.The embodiments shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B will require too high apressure to force the clip off the casing. FIG. 9C represents more of apreferred embodiment with the film extending a relatively small distancebeyond the clip.

FIG. 10 defines the distance which the film extends beyond the clip byreference symbol ‘A’. Table 1 below shows that the clip only comes offwhen the film extends 4 mm or 2.5 mm beyond the clip. TABLE 1 Test A(mm) Burst Mode 1 10 Film 2 11 Film 3 11 Film 4 10.5 Film 5 8 Film 6 7.5Film 7 6 Film 8 5 Film 9 4 Clip 10 2.5 Clip

1-25. (canceled)
 26. Apparatus for storing and dispensing a product, theapparatus comprising: a cartridge containing at least two separatechambers; and a substantially rigid outer casing adapted to receive thecartridge wherein products to be dispensed are sealed in the cartridgewith a single rupturable sealing means, the single rupturable sealingmeans forming a weakened area capable of rupturing when pressure isapplied to the cartridge.
 27. Apparatus according to claim 26, whereinthe cartridge is made from thin, flexible film with a high tearstrength.
 28. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the cartridge ismade from a metal/alloy foil.
 29. Apparatus according to claim 26,wherein the cartridge comprises a plurality of separate chambers whereineach separate chamber contains different compounds which are intended tobe mixed.
 30. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the sealing meanscomprises a sealing clip which is releasable under pressure. 31.Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein on release of the sealingmeans, different contents of the cartridge mix substantially together.32. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the outer casing is adaptedto receive the cartridge and forms a snug fit with the outer walls ofthe cartridge.
 33. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein pressure isapplied to one end of the cartridge by a dispensing gun.
 34. Apparatusaccording to claim 26, wherein the cartridge expands into an expansionchamber.
 35. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the outer casingcomprises reaction shoulders which abut and prevent the cartridge frommoving further along the longitudinal length of the outer casing aspressure is applied.
 36. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein theapparatus further comprises a nozzle.
 37. Apparatus according to claim36, wherein the nozzle comprises an integral mixer unit which furtheraids the mixing of different compounds.
 38. Apparatus according to claim36, wherein the nozzle also comprises means for catching the sealingmeans.
 39. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the sealing means isformed by any metal or plastics material such as aluminum or steel wirewhich is wound round the ends of the cartridge.
 40. Use of apparatusaccording to claim 26 for dispensing products for use in chemicalanchors, sealants, food processing and medical applications.
 41. Amethod for dispensing a product, the method comprising: inserting acartridge containing at least two separate chambers and a singlerupturable sealing means into a substantially rigid outer casing whichis adapted to receive the cartridge; and applying pressure to thecartridge thereby increasing the pressure within the cartridge to apoint where said single rupturable sealing means ruptures enabling thecontents of the cartridge to be dispensed.
 42. A method according toclaim 41, wherein the cartridge comprises a plurality of chamberscontaining different compounds.
 43. A method according to claim 41whereupon on rupturing of the weakened area, different compounds in thecartridge are mixed.
 44. A kit comprising: a cartridge containing atleast two separate chambers and a single rupturable sealing meanscapable of rupturing on application of pressure to the cartridge; asubstantially rigid outer casing which is adapted to receive thecartridge; and a dispensing gun.
 45. A kit according to claim 44,wherein the dispensing gun is a standard mastic gun.
 46. A kit accordingto claim 44, wherein the kit is used to mix different compounds.
 47. Acartridge which comprises a single rupturable sealing means capable ofrupturing when pressure is applied to the cartridge and wherein thecartridge comprises at least two separate chambers containing differentmaterials which are dispensable in a mixture on application of pressure.48. A cartridge according to claim 47, wherein the cartridge is madefrom thin, flexible film with a high tear strength.
 49. A cartridgeaccording to claim 47, wherein the different materials in the at leasttwo separate chambers are selected from any of the following: resins,epoxies, polyesters and vinyl esters.